Ideas to Help Audit Proof Your Return

No one likes the stress involved when your tax return is under the audit spotlight. Here are some ideas to avoid some of the more common audit triggers.

Report everything that has an informational tax return. If you are like most Americans, you will receive numerous 1099’s, W-2’s, and 1095-A’s in the mail. The IRS receives them too. If your tax return does not meet or exceed this reported income you can count on receiving a notice from the IRS. Some hints:

Make a list of the forms received last year

Update the list with any new vendors or employers

Check off each of them when you receive them

Match the reports…even when they are wrong. When reviewing your tax return make it easy for the IRS programs to match what is being reported to them. If an amount is incorrect, try to get it changed. If not possible, report the incorrect amount (so it matches the IRS records) and then correct it with an explanation.

Get your key information right. Social security numbers must be valid. Names must match social security numbers. Mis-matches here are sure to be noticed.

Get your dependents right. You and an ex-spouse must consistently report your dependents. Both of you cannot claim a child as a dependent. If an ex-spouse claims paying you alimony, it must match alimony income on your return.

Understand the chances of audit. Each year the IRS reports audit rates by income level and type of tax return. While the overall audit rate is around 1%, it is much higher for high income tax returns and returns that have small business activity (Schedule C).

Even if you believe you have done everything correctly, audits happen. Should it happen to you please do not hesitate to seek help